Review: Turbine Syndrome by Tommie Kelly

 

                                         

 

 

Tommie Kelly's Turbine Syndrome is described by the author as "a magic ritual, dressed up as a soap opera, the goal of which is to end the world as we know it."
Ominous, indeed!

However, as with any work produced by such an experienced magical practitioner and artist, it's probably worth contemplating the meaning of such a description from various perspectives.
Alan Watts wrote that waking up to who you are requires you to let go of who you imagine yourself to be, and, certainly, this seems to be the character journey of the protagonists in Turbine Syndrome.


As with many of the greatest and most profound journeys, a guide may appear to offer advice, commentary, or even to mock our attempts to untangle our distractions and illusions as we set out on our path.
We meet such a messenger at the beginning of this story: the symbolism and art offering a few different interpretations of how such a figure has manifested over time and traditions.

This is a work of magic in itself, after all, so surface impressions may belie a deeper undercurrent of meaning.

One of the main themes, for me, at least, and hinted in the artwork, is the concept of repetition and cycles, and how seemingly negative circumstances can often become the catalyst for change, or at least the opportunity for change: these moments are represented within Turbine Syndrome as both mundane obstructions within 'ordinary' life, as well as profound psychological walls through, or over which, our protagonists must find a way past.


The events take place in a town called Liminal Quay, which may or may not be a magical location in itself with ancient stones next to, perhaps, more recent portals set up as triggering devices for changes in outlook and attitude.
Our characters navigate their opening narratives with both cynicism and a desperate hope to overcome this outlook at the same time.
Much like most magicians, I dare say.

The whole work is a resonant spell, almost humming and crackling with thought and ideas, which is why it definitely requires more than one reading.
I'm sure I missed quite a few nods and allusions to philosophies and magical concepts and at the same time I felt an almost subliminal and unconscious connection to the trajectory of this story.

Of course, you can't really approach or contemplate the most profound questions and causes for existential despair without a dark sense of humour, and the characters in Turbine Syndrome have a weary scepticism about themselves and their idealism throughout the work. Or, I should say, their struggle to discover and protect that tiny, dim spark of idealism which seems to be their North Star of redemption within the swirling maelstrom of life and circumstances which they are mired within for now.


Turbine Syndrome is a deep work concerning the themes of healing, forgiveness, and dare I say banishing, in a way.
For any return to authenticity these are the hardest steps to take but also lead to further mirrors and reflections, selves and lost aspects of self.
I'm eagerly awaiting the next volume.
Highly recommended.

Purchase Link.